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You and the world

musicmusic
in Philosophy
Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes.

Whatever is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it. This is certain. The best course, therefore, is to remain silent.
- Ramana Maharshi

This basically sums up the Buddha's view as well - to maintain a holy indifference with respect to the world.

Comments

  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    edited April 2013
    No. The Buddha's view wasn't to be indifferent, but to be compassionate. How do you know that your compassionate actions aren't part of the destiny of the suffering souls who cross your path? What if Ghandi had just shrugged his shoulders, and contented himself with prayer and meditation?
  • lobsterlobster Crusty Veteran
    Holy indifference? Not at all, the Buddha engaged, taught and offered.
    karastiInvincible_summer
  • musicmusic
    Holy indifference doesn't mean you do nothing. Just that you don't go out of the way to do anything, however noble it may be in the eyes of the world. It is about changing oneself rather than worry endlessly about the world.
    lobsterriverflowLucy_BegoodJeffrey
  • zenffzenff Veteran
    edited April 2013
    Equanimity is one of the Brahma Vihara; and it appears to be something like the “holy indifference” you mentioned.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upekkha
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma_Vihara
    "Equanimity is "not to distinguish between friend, enemy or stranger, but regard every sentient being as equal. It is a clear-minded tranquil state of mind—not being overpowered by delusions, mental dullness or agitatio."
    seeker242Jeffrey
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    An old story whose provenance I cannot provide:

    A Buddhist adept, a woman living in a small village, was overwhelmed by grief when her son died. She wept.

    A villager came to her hut and questioned her: "How can you, a person who has devoted a lifetime to the matters of birth and death, who has become enlightened, be overcome by any loss or gain?"

    The woman grabbed a broom from the corner and began beating the villager ... hard. "Get out of here!" she shouted. "What can you possibly know about enlightenment?!"

    Bless her heart.
    riverflowLucy_BegoodInvincible_summer
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